What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth and/or throat. It usually begins on the floor of the mouth, tongue, or lips, and then moves on to the rest of the body. Although oral cancer is often detected by a dental professional before any symptoms occur, it is best to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if you have any of the following:

• Sores in the mouth that do not heal.
• Lumps or swelling inside the mouth, on the neck, or on the lips.
• White lesions and/or rough lesions in the mouth or on the lips.
• Numbness.
• Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
• Repeated bleeding in a concentrated area of the mouth.
• Loose teeth.
• Pain when swallowing.
• Earaches.